The body is a temple, but it's also a canvas. Photographer Jason Stoff brings back these photos from the party, held on March 14, 2010.
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Backstage, performers and artists collaborate on specific body paint details.
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It takes performers all day to prepare for a show -- multiple rehearsals and layers of body paint take anywhere from three to seven hours.
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The backstage area was relaxed -- performers ate dinner, palled around with each other and mugged for the camera. There's a real sense of camaraderie with the team.
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Performers and artists varied both visual and performance styles. In this case, they're both inspired by belly dancing.
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Most performers have other day jobs, touring the continent on the weekends.
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After asking for the audience to be "frisky kitties" all night, the Body Art Ball presented a kitty of their own.
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Boxing Clever, a St. Louis advertising agency, set up the "Mod Your Bod" booth, where guests could superimpose their face on a variety of pre-painted bodies -- no paint required.
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Tuaca acts as a sponsor for the event, providing beverages and funding for the Body Art Ball.
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What's paint? Well, the lace leggings and top, the garters‚ essentially, everything but her shorts.
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Kasey Morris gets a henna tattoo from on-site artists.
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A split personality closed out the solo performances. Side one - Marilyn Manson inspired.
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Designs and styles varied. This particular artist's aesthetic was tribal, as was his partner's.
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The Body Art Ball is in its 10th year, though this was the first stop through St. Louis.
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Attendees witnessed plenty of acrobatics and dancing, along with a myriad of other talents.
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This performer's credo? Hip-hop ain't dead, so let's kick it old-school.
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With origins in the artsy Deep Ellum district in Dallas, it's not exactly surprising to see a cowgirl act.
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Many of the performers are from the Dallas area, though some hail from Los Angeles.
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The performing cast is made up of both veterans and new talent.
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Half man, half machine, all Russian. Like X-Men's Colossus, except with body paint.
